This Instant Pot Creamed Spinach is likely the easiest version of this dish that you will ever find. Creamed Spinach has long been one of my favorite holiday side dishes, but the stirring, simmering, slow-motion of the dish can be a lot to deal with. This version takes just about zero hands on time but yields what I feel to be an even more delicious result.

What is Creamed Spinach

Creamed spinach is a dish that typically consists of cooked spinach that has been combined with a creamy sauce made from butter, cream, milk, and/or cheese. The spinach is usually blanched or sautéed first to remove any excess water, and then combined with the creamy sauce and seasonings such as salt, pepper, and nutmeg.

The creamy sauce used in creamed spinach can vary depending on the recipe or personal preference, but typically involves melting butter in a saucepan and then whisking in flour to create a roux. Milk or cream is then added slowly to the roux, creating a thick and creamy sauce. Some recipes may also include grated cheese, such as Parmesan or Gruyere, for added flavor.

Creamed spinach is often served as a side dish, and it pairs well with a variety of main courses such as steak, chicken, fish, or pasta. It’s a delicious and comforting dish that can be enjoyed year-round.

What are the ingredients for Instant Pot Creamed Spinach?

This recipe consists of just a few simple ingredients that can be found anywhere and you may even have on hand. Here is what you will need:

Frozen spinach
Butter
Onions
Garlic powder
All purpose flour
Broth
Heavy cream
Dijon mustard
Salt
Pepper
Nutmeg
Parmesan cheese
Hot sauce

How do you make Instant Pot Creamed Spinach?

This dish is really so simple to make which is why it is a great addition to a holiday menu! Take at least one thing off of the “long-prep” list by making this Instant Pot Creamed Spinach. Here’s how:

Start by melting the butter in the Instant Pot and cooking the onions.
Stir in the flour and mix until it fully blends with the butter.
Add the remaining ingredients to the Instant Pot and set the cooking time. Cook and release the pressure as indicated.
When the pressure release time is done, stir through the parmesan and hot sauce. Adjust the seasonings to your preferences and serve.
If you would like to thicken the sauce a bit, simply leave the lid on for a few minutes while the Instant Pot sits, with the “keep warm” function turned off.

Can Instant Pot creamed spinach be made in advance or stored for later?

One of the best feature of this recipe is that it is so quick and easy to assemble that you would not always have to consider making it in advance. That said, as it is often served as a holiday dish, time can certainly be at a premium and wanting to get everything possible ready in advance can certainly have its advantages.

This recipe will keep well when stored in the refrigerator in an air-tight container for up to 3 days. Warm through thoroughly before serving. This can be done by:

Returning the creamed spinach to the Instant Pot and turn on the “keep warm” function. Stir frequently until the spinach is fully warmed through.
Add the creamed spinach to a pot on the stovetop and heat over low to medium-low heat, stirring often, until fully warmed through.
Use a microwave to heat, in short spurts, stirring after each cooking spurt until warmed through being careful not to overheat and scorch.

What to do with leftover creamed spinach?

Here are some ideas to try if you end up having extra servings:

Mix with noodles and some shredded parmesan cheese for a creamy pasta dish. Tortellini would be especially good served this way.
Spread onto bread and top with sliced cheese for a decadent twist on a simple grilled cheese sandwich.
Stir in a bit of Neufchatel cheese, some chopped artichokes and chopped green onions for a delicious twist on spinach artichoke dip, made super fast.
Cook some lasagna noodles. Spread the noodles with ricotta cheese and the leftover creamed spinach and roll up. Put in a pan and top with alfredo sauce, bake and serve for spinach lasagna rolls.
Use it to top a tortilla. Add some tomatoes (fresh or sundried) and some cheese, top with another tortilla and cook into an amazing quesadilla.
Blend with some leftover mashed potatoes for a creamy, flavorful side dish.

What to serve with Instant Pot Creamed Spinach?

Creamed spinach can be a delicious side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Here are some options for what to serve with creamed spinach:

Grilled or roasted meats: Creamed spinach goes well with grilled or roasted meats such as steak, chicken, pork, or lamb. The creamy texture of the spinach provides a nice contrast to the meat’s texture, and the flavors complement each other well.
Fish or seafood: Creamed spinach can also be served with fish or seafood dishes, such as grilled or baked salmon, shrimp scampi, or seared scallops. The richness of the creamed spinach can help to balance out the natural saltiness of seafood.
Potatoes: Mashed or roasted potatoes can make a great accompaniment to creamed spinach. The creamy texture of the spinach pairs well with the softness of mashed potatoes, or the crispness of roasted potatoes. Our Ranch Potatoes are another easy Instant Pot dish that is sure to please.
Rice or pasta: If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, creamed spinach can be served with rice or pasta dishes such as risotto, fettuccine alfredo, or creamy mushroom rice. Our Creamed Spinach Mac and Cheese is the best of both worlds combining creamed spinach and pasta all in one creamy dish of deliciousness..pair it with a tomato balsamic salad for a perfect night!
Bread or rolls: Finally, if you want a simple side dish to go with your creamed spinach, consider serving it with bread or rolls. This can be a great way to soak up the creamy sauce and add some texture to the meal. This easy Air Fryer Texas Toast would be a great example.